Within the last few weeks we’ve had a few milestones take place here. Bubbles turned six, and she also lost her first tooth – two very exciting happenings when you’re that age.

For as long as I can remember my family has documented milestones like these with a trip to the portrait studio. We almost always went around our birthdays, and then during the holidays my Mom and my Aunt would join forces to corral all six of us cousins for a family portrait.Continue reading »

So God Made a Farmer – and a Grandfather

Last night’s game started off rather boring. The commercials weren’t really doing anything for me, either. Then the Dodge Ram ad came on and there was silence – and a few tears – in the room.

See, I grew up on a farm. My paternal grandfather was a farmer, my maternal grandparents were farmers, and my parents helped out on both sides. And while I listened to Paul Harvey’s voice share all the special characteristics of farmers, I couldn’t help but think especially of my maternal grandfather who passed away a few years ago.

My grandfather worked hard. Farmers’ days don’t start when the sun comes up and they don’t end when it goes down. He would be up and out to work many times by 4 a.m. (a schedule that my grandmother, who is in her 80s, still often keeps). And that was after getting up in the middle of the night to go stoke the fires in the potato houses so the harvested crop wouldn’t freeze in the middle of sub-zero Northern Maine winters.Continue reading »

What are the benefits of babywearing?

Shortly after Bubbles was born, we started our attempts at babywearing. At the time, she was so tiny, that with the carriers that we were trying, it was difficult to find a secure fit. As she got older and grew (and grew – into the 90th percentile for height!) it fortunately got a little easier, sizing-wise. It was nice to have her close and have my hands free at the same time, plus it gave her a different view of the world now and then.

Is Your House a Home for Learning?

I feel really fortunate to have grown up in the environment that I did. Education and learning in general were both strongly encouraged and opportunities were provided to nurture them. I also never worried about “failing” because my parents and family were really supportive. Creating that kind of home takes some work, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Here are three ways to make your home a place for learning.

Next week the last transit of Venus – when the Earth, sun, and Venus all align and Venus appears as a black circle moving across the surface of the sun – of what is likely our lifetimes will take place on June 5th. The next one will happen in 2117 – which, unless there are significant medical advances – most of us probably will not be around for. Matter of Cents and I thought it would be fun to share this twice-in-a-lifetime (the way the orbit works they happen in pairs 8 years apart; the last one was in 2004) event with you as part of our Pin Me! series.

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Copyright 2009-2013, Views From the 'Ville. All rights reserved. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship or other compensation. This blog may contain affiliate links within posts. All opinions shared are the honest opinion of myself and my family. Others' experiences may differ. Views From the 'Ville is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com